"The boy looks just like Scott," he said.
"It is Scott," pronounced his father, looking through his eyeglasses.
"Nonsense, pa, it can't be!" said Loammi. "It's ridiculous to think of Scott being in company with an earl."
"Perhaps they are not together," said Loammi, who did not like to believe that his humble cousin was in such aristocratic company. "Is that the boy that usually goes around with the earl?" he asked, turning to the waiter.
"Yes, sir, it's the very identical boy," answered the waiter.
"I never heard of such a thing," gasped Loammi. "That boy's cheek seems too great for anything. But perhaps he is the earl's valet, though I don't know how he could have got the position."
"I don't know but he's the earl's brother," said the waiter. "Anyhow, they're pretty thick. They went out riding together yesterday afternoon."
"He isn't the earl's brother," said Loammi, emphatically. "He's a--a relative of ours."
"Lor' now, you don't mean it! Didn't you know he was traveling with the earl?"
"No," answered Loammi; "I haven't seen much of him lately."
"The earl seems to think everything of him. They're always together."
"I never was so astonished in my life, pa," said Loammi, when the waiter had left them.
"I thought you didn't care to take any more notice of him."
"No more I did, but as he's intimate with an earl that makes a difference."
Mr. Little and his son lingered at the table till they saw the earl and his young companion rise. Then they followed them out.
Scott had not noticed the presence of Loammi and his father, but it was soon made evident to him.
As he was walking with the earl, suddenly he felt a tap on his arm, and looking round espied Loammi.
"Yes, I am here with pa. I was surprised to find you here."
"I have been traveling for some weeks," he said.
"How do you do, Scott? I hope you are well," said Ezra Little, graciously.
The earl, noticing that Scott had met acquaintances, walked slowly on.
"Won't you introduce us to your friend, Scott?" asked Loammi, eagerly.
He went up to the earl and acquainted him with his cousin's request.
"I can't say they are friends, but they are my cousins. I have told you of them. They are my cousin, Loammi Little, and his father."
"Yes. It is probably your title that makes them desirous of an introduction."